Paul Gadenne

This determined young vigneron has started his career off with one hell of a bang. His wines can be found on the lists and lips of some of the best somms in France and, at just 24 years of age, things can only go up from here. Gadenne is based in Chignin, a subregion of Savoie at the south-eastern edge of the Alps, in the foothills of the Massif des Bauges. This little Alpine village is one of great renown around local parts. Sheltered by towering peaks in a deep valley with well drained soils that are rich in limestone, and sporting a sunny but cool and fresh climate – we don’t need to tell you that combo tends to work well when it comes to growing good grapes.

Gadenne's success is all the more impressive when you consider that he is a first-generation vigneron. He moved to Chignin with his father when he was a teen, and spent school holidays in the vineyards of family friends. His interest and passion for winegrowing flourished, and after completing his studies in Beaune, Paul returned to Chignin to set up shop in his home town. He started by purchasing a small plot of Mondeuse from a local grower (Gilles Berlioz), and since then has expanded his source plots to two hectares throughout the region. Gadenne’s approach to viticulture is organic and he works with some relatively old material.

In his small cellar, Gadenne interferes as little as possible, using natural yeasts and no new oak. The varieties he works with means his wines hit their sweet spot when they are low in alcohol, bright, digestible and deep in concentrated flavours: true reflections of their mountainous terroir. These are wonderfully focussed and full of movement, flow and soul – Paul Gadenne is one to watch.